John Baird 'Still Life' animals

John Baird 'Still Life' animalsThis intimate bronze maquette by Mornington Peninsula artist John Baird captures four decades of looking, making and refining in a sculpture that feels both assured and quietly playful. A finalist in the 2025 McClelland Sculpture Park + Gallery Maquette: Sculpture Award for another bronze Still Life, Baird brings to this work the same considered sense of composition that defines his paintings his characteristic intimate picture plane here unfolding

‘Merman and Woman’ can be read as mythical or romantic

a subject that has captivated artists for centuries

at the time

There is tension between her outward appearance and demeanour

'Apparition' 1987

From the London Rowney sketchbook collection With Certificate of Authenticity from the artist's eldest son

In works like this

Blackman’s interest in Alice in Wonderland

mise en scenes that are rich in feeling and narrative

blues and purples stain the boardwalk and water

The girl leads

capturing the chaos and vibrancy of the Victorian coastline